Underneath clear blue skies, over 100 runners took to the streets of Port Hardy on Sunday, June 1, for the third annual Hardy Hustle 10K and half marathon races, with the routes converging mostly along the town’s picturesque waterfront.
The warm, sunny weather set a perfect stage for both races, which started early in the morning at 10 a.m. at the Civic Centre. Volunteers were stationed all over town lining the roads, cheering enthusiastically and handing out hydration beverages as runners passed by marinas, parks, and of course, the nearby ocean.
The event attracted a mix of local participants and visiting athletes, with age ranges spanning from young kids to runners in their 70’s. Post-race festivities were held at the finish line at Carrot Park, where runners received medals, refreshments, and music kept the energy high.
Alexander Biah ended up being the first runner to finish the 10K race, coming in at a time of 43:52. This was the second year in a row Biah has won the 10K race, and he noted he was deeply honoured and grateful to be able to finish in the first place again.
"First and foremost, I want to thank my mama, Lilia Griselda Biah," he said when asked to comment on the race, stating her encouragement and belief in him "meant the world and kept me motivated through the toughest moments."
Biah then thanked the organizers for "putting together such a fantastic race and creating an inspiring environment for all of us to push our limits. Thank you once again for this incredible honour and opportunity. I look forward to continuing this journey and striving for even greater heights."
As for the half marathon, it was Port Hardy councillor Brian Texmo who ended up crossing the finish line in first place with a time of 1:34:38. This was Texmo's third year in a row winning the half marathon, and he said he wanted to thank "the volunteers, organizers, and local businesses for continuing to put on such a great community event."
Texmo noted this year was a big challenge for him, as there were a few runners that were "all over me for the majority of the race. Nothing but smiles and handshakes from everyone at the end of the race and that’s why the running community is amazing, great sportsmanship."
"I see Alex Biah has won consecutive years in the 10K with a super fast time," he added. "He’s an amazing runner and maybe it’s time for a showdown between us in the 10K."
Port Hardy Recreation staff member Sara Klatt, who organized the races, said this year the Hardy Hustle saw "a flurry of race-day registrations pushing our total to 108 participants—up from 102 last year. We had a strong turnout this year, with 71 runners completing the 10K route and 26 taking on the half marathon, bringing us to 97 finishers overall. Only 83 runners crossed the finish line in 2024—so we’re thrilled to see the event growing."
"We also want to give a special nod to our youngest racers," she pointed out. "Eight runners under the age of 14 completed the 10K route this year, including our youngest participant who was just seven years old. Talk about hustle!"
She added she wanted to say a huge thank you to "all of the race participants who ran this year, you are the reason the Hardy Hustle is what it is."
Unofficial 10K race results:
1 Alexander Biah 00:43:52
2 Flora Perritt 00:49:13
3 Daniel Ward 00:53:03
4 Jillian Bjarnason 00:53:04
5 Todd Myers 00:53:15
6 Paul Green 00:54:13
7 Marc Gosselin 00:54:56
8 Priya Alway 00:55:36
9 Danielle Campbell 00:57:28
10 Steve Holm 00:58:39
11 Micheal Shane Thomas 00:58:57
12 Joselyne John 00:58:58
13 Grattan Fossum 00:58:58
14 Beauden Ward 1:00:58
15 Alyssa Schneider 1:01:10
16 David Neal 1:01:41
17 Justin Tobin 1:01:41
18 Ryan Blair 1:02:46
19 Juliany Sanchez 1:04:40
20 Seija Roggeveen 1:04:47
21 Janelle Burns 1:05:06
22 Sarah Tobin 1:06:10
23 Rhonda Abdurahman 1:06:42
24 Rustin Abdurahman 1:07:45
25 Denise Rushton 1:07:46
26 Paymon Ahseai 1:07:52
27 Tyson Whitney 1:08:00
28 John Burroughs 1:08:00
29 Heidi Wilson 1:08:16
30 Tracey Taylor 1:08:18
31 Ken Mckee 1:08:19
32 Maury Scott 1:08:37
33 Danja Currie-Olsen 1:08:56
34 Rebecca Neal 1:09:17
35 Erin Egan 1:10:00
36 Kirie McMurchy 1:10:52
37 Lynn Macleod 1:11:01
38 Terry Alway 1:13:13
39 Olivia Alway 1:13:13
39 Tanya Hunt 1:14:29
40 Andrea Storback 1:16:15
41 Jaiden Hall 1:16:21
42 Heather Scott 1:17:20
43 James Scott 1:17:21
44 Alison Bentley 1:18:52
45 Bridget Scalabrelli 1:19:36
46 Shantell Peeters 1:20:29
47 Samina Ahmed 1:22:47
48 Trevor Messent 1:23:43
49 Miguel Catarata 1:27:40
50 Liz Kufaas 1:33:16
51 Jeffery Young 1:37:20
52 Pam Hilbach 1:37:20
53 Katarina French 1:37:40
54 Greg Parnham 1:42:04
55 Lynn Penhale-Wilson
56 Allison Mckee 1:48:45
57 Darla Starr 1:48:45
58 Willow Dempsey 1:48:47
59 Jill Laviolette 1:48:56
60 Susannah Haskins 1:50:12
61 Nova Dempsey 1:50:13
62 John Hogeweide 1:50:21
63 Ethan Bullock 1:50:24
64 Jennifer Hogeweide 1:50:28
65 Jodi Wright 1:50:28
66 Jacqueline Mackenzie 1:53:15
67 Tara Roden 1:53:15
68 Kristian Jensin 1:59:55
69 Kayleigh Doan-Adams 1:55:55
70 Jessica Adams 1:59:56
71 Aggie Pringle 2:02:28
Unofficial half marathon results:
1 Brian Texmo 1:34:38
2 Teera Noel 1:39:50
3 Colin Ross 1:40:35
4 Dave Burroughs 1:42:00
5 Luke Rushton 1:48:56
6 Allan Wilson 1:56:12
7 Alexander Nataros 1:56:26
8 Dan Clark 2:07:30
9 Krista Houston 2:10:03
10 John Shankar-Price 2:10:30
11 Wendy Green 2:11:41
12 Dianne Harris 2:12:25
13 Dallyn Wilcocks 2:12:33
14 Jos Bell 2:14:51
15 Shantel Genest 2:15:50
16 Louisa Bates 2:20:40
17 Jessica Macleod 2:21:34
18 Janet Dorward 2:29:49
19 Jennifer Dugas 2:29:49
20 Jodi Hatton 2:29:49
21 Kendra Kohler 2:37:25
22 Maria Patokorski 2:51:16
23 Linda Macmillan 2:59:14
24 Jennifer Smith 2:59:14
25 Ty Cadwell 3:24:41
26 Lisa Dillon 3:24:42
